Meaning & Definition of word "Inversion"

Inversion

/ɪnˈvɜrʒən/

noun:

  • 1. the act of inverting or reversing something.
    • Example: The inversion of the equation revealed a new perspective on the problem.
  • 2. a reversal of the normal order of words or phrases, especially in poetry or rhetoric.
    • Example: The poet employed inversion to create a more dramatic effect in the poem.
  • 3. a situation in which something is turned upside down or reversed in position or condition.
    • Example: The atmospheric inversion caused pollution to be trapped close to the ground.
  • 4. in music, the rearrangement of the notes in a chord to change the bass note.
    • Example: Inversion of the chord added a different texture to the musical piece.
  • 5. in mathematics, a transformation that alters the position or orientation of an object.
    • Example: The geometric inversion shifted the points of the shape to their new locations.

Etymology

Late Middle English: from Latin inversio(n-), from the verb invertere.

Common Phrases and Expressions

supply and demand inversion:

A situation where traditional supply and demand dynamics are reversed.

inversion therapy:

A method used to relieve back pain by hanging upside down.

temperature inversion:

A meteorological phenomenon where a layer of warm air traps cooler air at the surface.

Related Words

inverse:

Opposite in nature, direction, or effect.

invert:

To reverse the position or order of something.

reversion:

The act of returning to a previous state or condition.

Slang Meanings of inversion

Meaning: Getting things mixed up in conversation.

Example Sentence: He had a total inversion of what I said; he thought I wanted to cancel!

Meaning: Referring to a sudden change in status or situation in a discussion.

Example Sentence: After that inversion in the conversation, no one knew what to say next.